The Methodist

Set against the restless backdrop of 1760s England—an era of political tension, industrial change, and religious fervor—this poem captures a satirist’s attempt to break free from the stale conventions of Augustan wit. Its narrator peers into a society where old hierarchies wobble, offering a sharp, humorous lens on the surge of Methodism and the accompanying social anxieties.

The piece blends clever verse with a lively, almost conversational tone, weaving together pointed observations and playful mock‑heroic passages. Listeners will hear a blend of irony and vivid imagery that both entertains and provokes thought, showcasing a rare moment when a poet strives to forge a new direction for formal satire.